Narak se swarag is the story of how one family transformed misery into a gold medal from the Commonwealth

Sharmila Dhankar’s journey to winning a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games is one of the most inspiring sports stories of the year. Her life was filled with pain, struggle, and hardship long before she became a champion. In 2012, she was thrown out of her home by her first husband, who was addicted to drugs. Left on the road with her two young daughters, she had no place to go until her parents took her back. Even after facing such humiliation and emotional trauma, Sharmila refused to give up. Instead of letting those painful memories define her future, she chose to fight back with courage and determination. Her victory in Glasgow, where she won India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in para athletics in the women's F57 shot put event, became a symbol of hope for countless women who are fighting difficult battles in their own lives.

The biggest turning point in Sharmila's life came after she remarried Ajit Singh in 2018. Ajit believed in her talent when very few others did. He encouraged her to take up sports, first introducing her to kabaddi before guiding her towards para athletics under coach Tek Chand. To support her dream, Ajit even left his own job and took loans so that Sharmila and her daughters could continue training without financial worries. He described his mission as turning "narak se swarag"—from hell to heaven—for his family. Sharmila's mother also played an unforgettable role by selling part of the family's farmland to fund her daughter's training after the death of Sharmila's father. Every medal, every training session, and every achievement came after years of sacrifice made by the entire family, proving that success is often built on love, faith, and unwavering support.Standing on the podium with the gold medal around her neck, Sharmila's victory represented much more than a sporting achievement. It showed that determination can overcome even the darkest moments in life. Her story is not just about winning a competition but about rebuilding a broken life through hard work, courage, and family support. Today, Sharmila is an inspiration for athletes across India and for every person who has faced setbacks but continues to dream. Her message to women is simple yet powerful: never accept abuse, never stop believing in yourself, and keep fighting until your struggles become your greatest strength. Her remarkable journey reminds everyone that true champions are not only made on the field but also through the challenges they overcome in life.